Product description

This revised pictorial biography celebrates the life of Tom Crean, a great Irish hero of Antarctic exploration in an age of epics of endurance and survival against the odds. Tom ran away from his Kerry farm at 15 to play an outstanding role in three expeditions with the legendary Shackleton and Captain Scott. His incredible story was largely forgotten until the publication of the best-selling An Unsung Hero in 2000. Only then was the modest, unassuming Irishman given due recognition. The extraordinary highlights of his adventures in the ice were captured in exceptional photographs taken under extreme conditions. Assembled here they present a photographic record of a truly astonishing man, with other rare and previously unseen pictures. These photographs illustrate his early life, the incredible feats in the Antarctic and a peaceful retirement in Kerry. Supported by complementary text, diary extracts and maps plus new information on Tom Crean's life, this is a lasting celebration of a true hero.

Author information

Michael Smith, author of the best-selling An Unsung Hero, is an authority on polar history. He has written seven books, contributes to many publications, tv and radio documentaries and lectures extensively. He began writing books after a career as a journalist on newspapers such as the Guardian, Observer and Evening Standard. His most recent book is Great Endeavour - Ireland's Antarctic Explorers (2010).

Review quote

'A remarkable book about a remarkable man' Sunday Tribune 'One of the most inspiring books - compulsive reading' The Irish Times 'Creates a fascinating word picture' Irish Examiner 'Painstaking research - a gifted storyteller' Arctic Book Review 'Michael Smith has written a splendid biography' The Nautical Magazine 'A must for anyone interested in polar exploration' County Examiner 'Wonderful' Irish Independent